Adding Keys to an Action Source

You can add keys to function curve animation stored in an action source by saving action keys. For example, you can translate an object and then add a key with the Action Key button to change the source's corresponding fcurves. This works only if there is just one action controlling the object at the current frame.

As with editing the original animation in an action source, any keys you add to the source's function curves affect all action clips that reference that action source, as well as any future clips you create from that source.

For example, let's say that the position of the Club-bot's arms is wrong in the action source. When you fix it by adding action keys, all clips created from this source are automatically updated.

On the left, Club-bot's arm is in its original position in the action source.

On the right, his arm is translated and an action key is saved for the new position, which updates the action source.

Tip

If you don't want action clips to share the same sources, duplicate the source before instancing clips from it (select the source and press Ctrl+D).

You could also have clips share the same source but then modify a clip using a clip effect — this lets you add a "layer" of animation to the clip without affecting its source (see Modifying Action Clips with Clip Effects).

To add keys to an action source

Go to a frame that is controlled by the clip whose source you want to modify by adding keys.
If any other clips drive the same parameters at that frame, mute their tracks in the animation mixer (click the m button to the left of the track).
Adjust the desired parameters; for example, move the object into a new position.

NoteThe colors of the animation controls may be incorrect in the Animation panel and in property editors; they do not properly reflect whether there is a key at the current frame. This is because the keys are set in the local time of the action rather than the global time of the scene.
Make sure that the correct objects are selected and the correct parameters are marked. You need to select all applicable objects explicitly. Branch and tree selections are not automatically expanded.
In the mixer, click the Action Key button on the command bar or press J. New keys are added to the action source's function curves at the corresponding local time, taking into account any scaling or warping of the clip.
Tip
- When you save an action key, offsets are not taken into account. If there is an offset, values may jump when you click Action Key.
- If the action is a static pose created with Store Transformation - Current or Marked Parameters - Current, click the Offset Map button instead of Action Key to change the source values.